I recently purchased a new pair of bike shoes. They are a bit higher end model than I am used to fit more comfortable. The toe box is a little bit wider than my old shoes and rub very lightly on the crank arm. Is it possible to put a couple of washers between the pedal axle and the crank arm?
Rick
Yes you can use washers, the caution is if your cranks are carbon make sure the washer sits on the aluminium insert and not up against the carbon and dont use one more than a couple of mm thick, especially if you are a heavier rider.
A couple of things, have you looked at sliding your cleats inwards on the shoes for more clearance? If you can do that you may not need to use spacers at all. If you pedal “duck footed” consider having a good fitter check your cleat and foot alignment. That can be a cause of crank arm rubbing.
Kevin
Two cautions: Many washers are stamped out leaving a sharp ridge on one side. When attaching the pedal to the crank arm make sure the ridge is pointed outboards (pedal side) so you are less likely to damage the crankarm. Better yet pay a little more and buy a machine washer.
The second caution is you don’t want bare aluminum contacting exposed carbon fiber. With some moisture corrosion will result. There are several dielectric greases on the market. I think CRC makes a little aerosol can that is available in most autoparts stores. Mine has lasted me about 5 years.
Cleats can usually be moved side-to-side on the bottom of your shoe by up to an 1/8". Perhaps you can just loosen and slide the cleats over?
Thanks for your reply! The cleats are as inboard as possible. I only have aluminum crank arms so no problem there. I am only looking at one washer on each side but have never needed them before. The washers will be burr free before mounting.
I am having a fitter whom I trust look at my pedaling to see if I need shims or not. They suggested I put 100 or so miles on the shoes before we look at shims. I just do not want the shoes scuffed up.
Rick
Scuffed up shoes are better tweaked knees. I have one leg that gives me problem. I pretty much am only comfortable with speedplays, and have to modify one cleat to give me even more rotation on that leg. my heel conacts the cleat and there isn’t much I can do.
Over the years cranks and BB set ups have gotten wider, so it can be pretty difficult to not have some rubbing with a lot of riders.
Styrrell
Point well taken. I had to replace worn out shoes, which (coaches opinion also) could be causing knee issues well into 1/2’s. I have lots of float but may have some alignment issues as well. I just want to get it checked out.
Thanks all for your input.
Rick
I have a similar issue. Switched to LG tri shoes and the cleats for my Crank Bros Quattro pedals didn’t fit those shoes without a special adapter kit. That adapter kit puts the cleats in basically a fixed position, which works for me, but causes the inside toe part of the shoe to slightly rub the cranks. Never thought of the washer option…
The new Look Keo Max pedals have longer spindles so you can safely add washers.
Also, Speedplay (though I do not like Speedplay pedals) offers longers spindles for their pedals. 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 inch longer. Cool option for the fit challenged.
Contrary to popular belief- A narrow stance is not good for all riders.
Lots of good advice here - we use the washers when needed in fitting athletes with proper pedal/stance width. Most often washers come into play when an athlete’s anatomy requires a wide stance. Be careful if tempted to stack multiple washers- wider, one piece washers are out there to solve some problems like these- if you have any questions see a qualified fitter!
I would be careful how many washers you put on there. Each mm you move the pedal outward the more leverage and less threads you have on the pedal crank junction. I have seen two cases of the pedal messed up the threads on carbonfiber cranks in the last few years.
One may not be a problem, but 3mm may be.
NO…I have not read any of the replies - NO…if the pedals came, or the crank came with a washer then it is all good…other than that NO. If your shoe is hitting your crank, either enjoy the polish marks from it - or if you think that you have a cleat issue go to a person you trust and get a clean alignment. DO NOT add washers to your pedal so your shoe can clear the crank arm.